How LACRISERT® Works
LACRISERT® is a small, translucent ophthalmic insert that is administered into the inferior cul-de-sac of each eye. Once inserted, LACRISERT® gently begins to dissolve within minutes.1
For most patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye, one LACRISERT® in each eye once daily will suffice. However, some patients may require LACRISERT® twice a day to relieve their symptoms.1
LACRISERT® releases a thin layer of cellulosic polymer over the ocular surface, stabilizing the compromised tear film.2 LACRISERT® retains fluid on the ocular surface, allowing your patient’s natural tears to be preserved throughout the day.3 As the tear film thickens, it is able to remain on the ocular surface longer, providing better protection and relief from Dry Eye symptoms.1
LACRISERT® has been proven to relieve the following symptoms1,3:
- Dryness
- Hypersensitivity
- Smarting
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Excessive tearing
- Foreign body sensation
- Exudation
- Photophobia
- Blurred vision
- Conjunctival hyperemia
While most patients usually begin to experience amelioration of their symptoms within 2 weeks of beginning treatment, it may take several weeks for others to improve.1,4,5
Since LACRISERT® requires moisture to begin dissolving, in certain situations, your patients may need to administer artificial tears upon insertion to begin the dissolution process.3,6
The following adverse reactions have been reported with the use of LACRISERT®, but were, in most instances, mild and transient1:
- Transient blurring of vision
- Ocular discomfort or irritation
- Matting or stickiness of eyelashes
- Photophobia
- Hypersensitivity
- Edema of the eyelids
- Hyperemia
Click here to report any adverse reactions that your patient may have experienced while using LACRISERT®.
LACRISERT® is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT® is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT® is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.
Important Safety Information
Do not use LACRISERT® if you are allergic to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT® should be carefully followed. If improperly placed, LACRISERT® may result in a scratch to the cornea of your eye. Because LACRISERT® may cause temporary blurred vision, please use caution when driving or operating machinery. Rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT® should be avoided. You should always discuss this safety information with your doctor. The following adverse reactions have been reported but were in most instances mild and temporary: temporary blurring of vision, eye discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, increased sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects that bother you or that do not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References: 1. Lacrisert [prescribing information]. Lawrenceville, NJ: Aton Pharma, Inc; 2007.
2. Breslin CW, Katz J, Haufman HE, Katz I. Slow release artificial tears. In: Leopold IH, Burns RP, eds. Symposium on Ocular Therapy. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons; 1977;10:77-83. 3. Katz JI, Kaufman HE, Breslin C, Katz IM. Slow-release artificial tears and the treatment of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(8):787-793. 4. Hill JC. Slow-release artificial tear inserts in the treatment of dry eyes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1989;73(2):151-154. 5. Lacrisert Clinical White Paper. Available at: http://www.lacrisert.com/attachments/LacrisertClinicalWhitePaper.pdf. Accessed January 5, 2009.
6. HØvding G, Aasved H. Slow-release artificial tears (SRAT) in dry eye disease: report of a preliminary clinical trial. Acta Ophthalmol. 1989;59:842-846.
